10 Health Benefits & Uses for Bentonite Clay

Healing clays have been used for thousands of years for a number of different health issues – from indigestion to insect bites. Bentonite clay is a type of healing clay that is completely natural (usually formed by volcanic ash) and extracted for use.

How Bentonite Clay Works

Bentonite clay is compromised mostly of negative ions. Toxins and heavy metals in the body are made of positive ions. Bentonite clay works like a magnet that bonds to toxins and helps to eliminate it out of the body.

There are two main types of Bentonite clay:

1. Sodium Bentonite, when activated by water, can swell up to six times its size and has a electromagnetic properties. This makes it very absorbent and helpful for drawing out toxins.

2. Calcium Bentonite particles are smaller compared to Sodium Bentonite, which makes it more effective for remineralizing than drawing toxins out of the skin. These small particles can pass through the colon wall into the bloodstream where it gets rid of toxins and leaves minerals behind.

It is possible for Bentonite clay to have a mix of both sodium and calcium.

Uses for Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay can be used internally for:

Stomach ache

Indigestion

Acid reflux

Constipation

Diarrhea

Heartburn

pH balance (Bentonite clay is very alkalizing)

Bentonite clay can be used externally for:

Bruises

Bee stings

Bug bites

Burns

Cuts and scraps

Hair care

Skin care

10 Health Benefits of Bentonite Clay

1. Make your own shampoo

For soft, voluminous hair, mix 2-3 tablespoons of clay powder with an equal amount of filtered water or apple cider vinegar. Apply the clay mixture to damp hair, leave it on for five minutes and then rinse thoroughly. If you mix the clay with water, I recommend following the washing with an apple cider vinegar rinse to avoid drying.

2. Blemish reducing facial mask

Bentonite clay tightens and tones the skin, and its absorbing properties can draw out impurities from deep within. To make a facial mask, mix 2-3 tablespoons of clay powder with equal amounts water or apple cider vinegar. Follow up with this DIY facial serum and homemade facial oil moisturizer.

Apply the mixture in a thick but even layer to the face, and allow it to dry for about 10-15 minutes. It should feel tight and slightly tingly. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. For best results, use once or twice a week.

3. Pamper yourself with a detox bath

Add 1-2 cups of clay powder to your bath water, and soak for about 20 minutes. This will draw toxins out of your skin. Because of its electromagnetic properties, clumps of clay may stick to a particular area of the body where toxins have surfaced. If any spots of clay are left on your skin after rinsing, rub gently with a wash cloth.

4. Deodorant for sensitive skin

5. Remineralize your teeth

After bentonite clay does its work drawing toxins out of the mouth, it leaves behind minerals that are nourishing for the teeth. Try this homemade squeezable toothpaste by Homemade Mommy to remineralize your teeth.

6. Heal burns and cuts

Mix clay and water until it has a paste-like consistency, and apply it to the burn or cut. Wrap it in plastic wrap or wet gauze after applying to keep the paste from drying. Change the bandages and paste every two hours as needed.

7. Reverse digestive distress

Mix 1-2 teaspoons of clay into a full glass of water, let it soak for at least 30 minutes, and then drink.

Caution: Don’t use more than the recommended amount of clay, as a thick, muddy mixture can cause constipation. It’s recommended to follow your clay water with a glass of plain water to keep the clay from settling.

8. Combat illness and poisoning

Clay is said to draw out pathogenic viruses, herbicides and pesticides, heavy metals and radioactive substances. To draw out these toxins, drink a small amount of bentonite clay powder mixed with water as stated above.

9. Make an anti-itch cream

Bentonite clay can be used on skin ailments such as insect bites or chicken pox. Mix a small amount of clay powder and water into a paste, and apply to the affected area. Let dry, and leave it on skin until it flakes off. Rinse off any residue with water.

10. Add to your favorite recipe for a cleanse

Headaches, allergic reactions, fatigue, sinus infection and many other health ailments are the result of toxin buildup in the body’s organs. To cleanse your internal organs, you can add a couple teaspoons of clay powder to a smoothie or your favorite food. Be sure to stay hydrated or take it with fiber to help it pass through your digestive system quickly.

What are your favorite ways to use bentonite clay?

About the Author Alex Hinton, owner of Caretactics, blogs about natural living, real food, mindfulness and wellness. Her goal is to share information that will lead you to improve the world by caring about others, the environment and yourself.

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About Tracey Black

Hey there! I'm Tracey Black, author and wellness educator here at DontMesswithMama.com. I'm going to show you how to makeover your home with easy DIY beauty and cleaning tutorials that are life-changing! I'll also share my favorite natural remedies and real food recipes. And I promise, no complicated instructors or a laundry list of ingredients. This is all about living simply. Join me to the first step toward a more natural lifestyle made simple.

Disclaimer: The information on Don’t Mess with Mama is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. I am not a medical professional and the information contained on this blog should not be used to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease or health illness. Consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here.

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